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McLaughlin #1
Echoes of Emerald Isle
"Once there was a girl back in days of old, her hair wrapped in amber, and her heart crafted in gold..."
Maeve McLaughlin was born to heal. Herbs and tinctures ran in her blood, and in her small town of New Ross, Ireland, she was sought after to help anyone in need. She would marry, tend to her land, and live taking care of others. Until, everything changed.
War was coming, and in preparation, a ball was thrown in the honor of those serving. Maeve met a mysterious Lord who captured her attention, not realizing the tangled web their connection would weave.
When her family was confronted, her elder brothers chose to serve, leaving her to tend for the land alone. Loss was inevitable, and even though they came back in one piece, none of them would be the same. Maeve, being reunited with repeated loss, wasn’t certain as to what her future would hold.
Would love and healing prevail? Or would the heartache and pain be too much to bear?
All Weston's stories are mild swearing, fade to black romance with hope and healing weaved in to each character.
Maeve McLaughlin was born to heal. Herbs and tinctures ran in her blood, and in her small town of New Ross, Ireland, she was sought after to help anyone in need. She would marry, tend to her land, and live taking care of others. Until, everything changed.
War was coming, and in preparation, a ball was thrown in the honor of those serving. Maeve met a mysterious Lord who captured her attention, not realizing the tangled web their connection would weave.
When her family was confronted, her elder brothers chose to serve, leaving her to tend for the land alone. Loss was inevitable, and even though they came back in one piece, none of them would be the same. Maeve, being reunited with repeated loss, wasn’t certain as to what her future would hold.
Would love and healing prevail? Or would the heartache and pain be too much to bear?
All Weston's stories are mild swearing, fade to black romance with hope and healing weaved in to each character.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
About the author
Ashley Weston
7 books40 followersBorn and raised in Gilbert, AZ, Ashley Weston loves her family, God, and the ability to dream.
Ashley has dreamed of writing a novel since she was in the third grade when she wrote her first story. It wasn’t until she began working with incredible people and having a good support system that she realized her dreams could become reality.
Ashley loves being a mom to four passionate souls, making friends, having dance parties, baking to her hearts content, and reading till all hours of the morning. Her hope is to convey emotions that uplift and encourage you, while making you swoon, through the art of story telling.
Ashley has dreamed of writing a novel since she was in the third grade when she wrote her first story. It wasn’t until she began working with incredible people and having a good support system that she realized her dreams could become reality.
Ashley loves being a mom to four passionate souls, making friends, having dance parties, baking to her hearts content, and reading till all hours of the morning. Her hope is to convey emotions that uplift and encourage you, while making you swoon, through the art of story telling.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 2, 2026
I think some books speak to your soul on such a deep, emotional level, and this one certainly did that for me. Words cannot express how much I LOVED this book 🥲. It was such a beautiful story of love and heartache, loss and healing, identity and new beginnings — and finding one’s place in the world even whenever things appear at its darkest. 💕
This story follows Maeve McLaughlin, a young Irish woman and healer in a small Irish town, and Theo, an injured, war-torn soldier — who form the most beautiful and vulnerable friendship that, with time and healing, grows into a love so unforgettable that it has been permanently etched into my heart!
Weston has one of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read that not only flows so naturally, but feels whimsical and magical at its very core. The way that she created this Irish town and cast of characters that were so layered and complex, made me feel like I was living inside these pages! The way that she described the Irish countryside and Maeve’s herbs and garden, had me literally wishing I lived there lol. It felt so descriptive and immersive. Not to mention the therapeutic side that this book took during a certain healing process with one of the characters — it was something I’ve never seen done before in a historical romance novel, and I honestly appreciated it! Weston has such a way with characters — crafting not only two main characters who you are SO invested in, but also side characters as well! The way that I am CHOMPING at the bit for Rian’s story!! It already has me in a chokehold 😂
And guys, the way my heart ached for Maeve and Theo 😢. Their journey was so hard to witness at times (many tears were shed during the reading of this book LOL), but their perseverance and bravery and commitment to keep pushing forward — to keep opening their hearts and hoping and trusting in the Lord’s plan — made their destination that much sweeter. It’s definitely a story that will stick with me for a very long time 🥲💕
Ashley Weston, you have made a permanent fan out of me!!😍
🤬: Minor (infrequent)
😘: Fade to black; very steamy kisses
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story follows Maeve McLaughlin, a young Irish woman and healer in a small Irish town, and Theo, an injured, war-torn soldier — who form the most beautiful and vulnerable friendship that, with time and healing, grows into a love so unforgettable that it has been permanently etched into my heart!
Weston has one of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read that not only flows so naturally, but feels whimsical and magical at its very core. The way that she created this Irish town and cast of characters that were so layered and complex, made me feel like I was living inside these pages! The way that she described the Irish countryside and Maeve’s herbs and garden, had me literally wishing I lived there lol. It felt so descriptive and immersive. Not to mention the therapeutic side that this book took during a certain healing process with one of the characters — it was something I’ve never seen done before in a historical romance novel, and I honestly appreciated it! Weston has such a way with characters — crafting not only two main characters who you are SO invested in, but also side characters as well! The way that I am CHOMPING at the bit for Rian’s story!! It already has me in a chokehold 😂
And guys, the way my heart ached for Maeve and Theo 😢. Their journey was so hard to witness at times (many tears were shed during the reading of this book LOL), but their perseverance and bravery and commitment to keep pushing forward — to keep opening their hearts and hoping and trusting in the Lord’s plan — made their destination that much sweeter. It’s definitely a story that will stick with me for a very long time 🥲💕
Ashley Weston, you have made a permanent fan out of me!!😍
🤬: Minor (infrequent)
😘: Fade to black; very steamy kisses
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2026
Ashley captured me with her beautiful writing. She wove a story filled with heartache and healing, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland. I loved the natural healing elements woven throughout the story. This romance is simply beautiful in every way.
I loved Mauves brothers and the relationships we see building on the sidelines. I loved the multiple POV’s. I loved the letters. 😘
My only issue was that they didn’t wait until marriage. I understand that people don’t always live up to the standards they value, but after everything they went through, I think it would have been even more meaningful if that had been the outcome.
I also struggled a bit with the repeated references to her youth. After talking it over with my friend Katie, though, I realized it wasn’t necessarily referring to her actual age but rather to her youthful spirit and the way she views the world. With that perspective, I can definitely see how it was intended to come across.
•Irish culture
•Natural Healer
•Folklore Fairytales
•Emotional Healing
•Fate
•Wartime Romance
•Age Gap
•Class Difference
•Heartache
🤬minor (infrequent)
💋 Fade to Black (Heavy make outs)
I loved Mauves brothers and the relationships we see building on the sidelines. I loved the multiple POV’s. I loved the letters. 😘
My only issue was that they didn’t wait until marriage. I understand that people don’t always live up to the standards they value, but after everything they went through, I think it would have been even more meaningful if that had been the outcome.
I also struggled a bit with the repeated references to her youth. After talking it over with my friend Katie, though, I realized it wasn’t necessarily referring to her actual age but rather to her youthful spirit and the way she views the world. With that perspective, I can definitely see how it was intended to come across.
•Irish culture
•Natural Healer
•Folklore Fairytales
•Emotional Healing
•Fate
•Wartime Romance
•Age Gap
•Class Difference
•Heartache
🤬minor (infrequent)
💋 Fade to Black (Heavy make outs)
April 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 stars
Echoes of Emerald Isle by Ashley Weston
📚 Genre: Regency Romance set in Ireland
❤️ Intimacy: Fade to Black
🙊 Language: Moderate
⚠️ Maturity: Adult
✨ Vibes: longing, hope, love, healing, magical, sensual, destined
👩❤️👨 Tropes: pen pals, secret identity, brother’s best friend, age gap, he falls first, broken war hero, healer
My Thoughts
I don’t even know how to fully explain how much I loved this book. It made me feel ALLL the beautiful things.
This is the type of love story that draws you in fast and never lets you go, but not in this anxiety fueled way. It honestly felt like a perfect spring day after a long winter. The kind where you take a deep breath and feel everything awaken again, and you didn’t even realize how much you needed it until you were in it. That’s what this story felt like to me.
The Connection
Maeve & Theo meet and connect on a heart level immediately, but don't share their full identities, as the soldiers for the war (him included) are shipping out the next morning. However, he pleads with her to write him during the war and she does. And y'all... THE LETTERS! They are incredible--full of so much vulnerability, honesty, yet still concealing identities. There is a line in one of the letters quoting John Donne saying "more than kisses, letters mingle the soul," and that feels so true with this story. These letters build a foundation for a love that knows, understands, and heals. Because after the war, nothing looks the same and people are broken both physically and emotionally.
This is not a fast, dramatic, overly intense love story. It’s soft, and slow, and feels so, so deep.
Their connection feels instant in some ways… but their love takes time to unfold, and I appreciated that so much. There’s space for healing, for growth, for learning each other in real life and not just through letters.
Maeve
Maeve was everything I would want to be in a 1800 Irish heron. She is genuinely one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read in a while. Kind, hopeful, patient, empathetic, curious, a deep feeler, and someone who loves her people so, so well. And you see this so blatantly carried out in how she cares for Theo. She sees him, understands him, and meets him exactly where he is (both physically and mentally) without trying to force him into something he’s not ready for. There’s a quiet strength in her that I absolutely loved.
Theo
I’ll be honest… I tend to gravitate toward very strong, physically capable, protective MMCs, so sometimes stories with a physically broken hero can be harder for me to connect with. (Yes, I know that probably says something horrible about me... I'm sorry, but it's my fictional world so let me live there!).
That was NOT the case here. Theo is all of those things I love! Strong, masculine, protective, but you’re watching him fight to heal physically and emotionally, and Ashley wrote that journey was so, so beautifully.
He doesn’t just magically “get better.” He struggles. He wants to give up at times. But he keeps going, and a big part of that is because of the people around him (Maeve, his family, his responsibilities). Watching a man fight for his healing like that… physically and emotionally… was incredibly powerful and I LOVED him!
The Side Characters
I LOVED the side characters in this book (mostly... but I won't spoil anything for you). They added so much life and depth to the story, and I’m already invested in what comes next for them.
(A small note for the author only: Ashley, I need Rian and Rosalie's story like tomorrow if you could make that happen!)
Final Thoughts
This book felt magical in a way that’s hard to fully explain. Not because anything unrealistic was happening, but because of how deeply it made you feel. It's not dramatic or chaotic. It’s just… beautiful. Soft, healing, emotional, and full of love that feels both destined and deeply earned. And I loved every single second of it.
I graciously received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review. But every thought here is my own and nothing could have made me love it more!
Echoes of Emerald Isle by Ashley Weston
📚 Genre: Regency Romance set in Ireland
❤️ Intimacy: Fade to Black
🙊 Language: Moderate
⚠️ Maturity: Adult
✨ Vibes: longing, hope, love, healing, magical, sensual, destined
👩❤️👨 Tropes: pen pals, secret identity, brother’s best friend, age gap, he falls first, broken war hero, healer
My Thoughts
I don’t even know how to fully explain how much I loved this book. It made me feel ALLL the beautiful things.
This is the type of love story that draws you in fast and never lets you go, but not in this anxiety fueled way. It honestly felt like a perfect spring day after a long winter. The kind where you take a deep breath and feel everything awaken again, and you didn’t even realize how much you needed it until you were in it. That’s what this story felt like to me.
The Connection
Maeve & Theo meet and connect on a heart level immediately, but don't share their full identities, as the soldiers for the war (him included) are shipping out the next morning. However, he pleads with her to write him during the war and she does. And y'all... THE LETTERS! They are incredible--full of so much vulnerability, honesty, yet still concealing identities. There is a line in one of the letters quoting John Donne saying "more than kisses, letters mingle the soul," and that feels so true with this story. These letters build a foundation for a love that knows, understands, and heals. Because after the war, nothing looks the same and people are broken both physically and emotionally.
This is not a fast, dramatic, overly intense love story. It’s soft, and slow, and feels so, so deep.
Their connection feels instant in some ways… but their love takes time to unfold, and I appreciated that so much. There’s space for healing, for growth, for learning each other in real life and not just through letters.
Maeve
Maeve was everything I would want to be in a 1800 Irish heron. She is genuinely one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read in a while. Kind, hopeful, patient, empathetic, curious, a deep feeler, and someone who loves her people so, so well. And you see this so blatantly carried out in how she cares for Theo. She sees him, understands him, and meets him exactly where he is (both physically and mentally) without trying to force him into something he’s not ready for. There’s a quiet strength in her that I absolutely loved.
Theo
I’ll be honest… I tend to gravitate toward very strong, physically capable, protective MMCs, so sometimes stories with a physically broken hero can be harder for me to connect with. (Yes, I know that probably says something horrible about me... I'm sorry, but it's my fictional world so let me live there!).
That was NOT the case here. Theo is all of those things I love! Strong, masculine, protective, but you’re watching him fight to heal physically and emotionally, and Ashley wrote that journey was so, so beautifully.
He doesn’t just magically “get better.” He struggles. He wants to give up at times. But he keeps going, and a big part of that is because of the people around him (Maeve, his family, his responsibilities). Watching a man fight for his healing like that… physically and emotionally… was incredibly powerful and I LOVED him!
The Side Characters
I LOVED the side characters in this book (mostly... but I won't spoil anything for you). They added so much life and depth to the story, and I’m already invested in what comes next for them.
(A small note for the author only: Ashley, I need Rian and Rosalie's story like tomorrow if you could make that happen!)
Final Thoughts
This book felt magical in a way that’s hard to fully explain. Not because anything unrealistic was happening, but because of how deeply it made you feel. It's not dramatic or chaotic. It’s just… beautiful. Soft, healing, emotional, and full of love that feels both destined and deeply earned. And I loved every single second of it.
I graciously received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review. But every thought here is my own and nothing could have made me love it more!
May 4, 2026
This book has a chokehold on me!! It was one of the most romantic and healing books I've read.
Maeve is a healer in her small town in Ireland. Her methods to healing a body was refreshing, a focus on natural remedies using herbs and plants from her own gardens. She was such a gentle and caring character, despite the monumental loss she has experienced. Even as she grapples with her grief, she continues to show up for those she loves and cares for.
Theo, having returned from war with an injury, travels to Ireland to recuperate, both mentally and physically. Theo finds peace and healing in the form of Maeve and her healing methods. Not only does he start healing physically, but also emotionally.
Their pull towards one another is pure chemistry, instant and powerful. But knowing that they need to stay away from each other. With the amount of time they spend together, their friendship develops into the most romantic love. There were so many moments that were achingly heartbreaking. But so many more beautiful moments that were full of hope, love and joy. I love how, ultimately, they ended up healing each others brokenness.
This is one story that will stay with me, and I doing think I will ever get enough of Theo and Maeve.
I really liked how we got multiple POVs of characters, even if they were small snippets, it gave a taste of what's to come. I am so looking for to the next installment of this series.
🔥 Heat level: Descriptive make-out, fade-to-black
🫢 Language: Mild, infrequent
Maeve is a healer in her small town in Ireland. Her methods to healing a body was refreshing, a focus on natural remedies using herbs and plants from her own gardens. She was such a gentle and caring character, despite the monumental loss she has experienced. Even as she grapples with her grief, she continues to show up for those she loves and cares for.
Theo, having returned from war with an injury, travels to Ireland to recuperate, both mentally and physically. Theo finds peace and healing in the form of Maeve and her healing methods. Not only does he start healing physically, but also emotionally.
Their pull towards one another is pure chemistry, instant and powerful. But knowing that they need to stay away from each other. With the amount of time they spend together, their friendship develops into the most romantic love. There were so many moments that were achingly heartbreaking. But so many more beautiful moments that were full of hope, love and joy. I love how, ultimately, they ended up healing each others brokenness.
This is one story that will stay with me, and I doing think I will ever get enough of Theo and Maeve.
I really liked how we got multiple POVs of characters, even if they were small snippets, it gave a taste of what's to come. I am so looking for to the next installment of this series.
🔥 Heat level: Descriptive make-out, fade-to-black
🫢 Language: Mild, infrequent
July 9, 2026
I….really didn’t like this book. It felt like it needed several several more rounds of edits. Verb tenses were all over the place, sentences were unclear, misspellings were rampant…Like, it was odd. I had a hard time following some of the character arcs because they were all over the place, and the Henrietta/Casey thing felt both rushed and way too drawn out. Also, the amount of times the word “alas” was used was annoying. ALSO ALSO, it felt like Maeve was infantilized often just to emphasize the age gap, which felt icky. The majority of the romance was centered around lust and how innocent Maeve was (which the characters said MULTIPLE times) which also just kind of gave me the ick. Maeve and Theo sleeping together before they were married also bothered me. I appreciated the themes of grief/healing/etc., but thought it was overall lost in the mess. I’ve highlighted some of the lines that really just seemed super odd so that others can see if it’s something that would bother them while reading. Clearly a lot of people enjoy this story, it just really didn’t work for me! 😂
May 2, 2026
This book is cozy, gritty, suspenseful, heartbreaking, sizzling without the heavy spice and just downright beautiful inside and out! 🥹🩵
Theo and Maeve are the perfect combination of tension and surrender, they make you fall in love with TRUE romance all over again! There’s magic and healing and there are parts that will have you laughing out loud too!
The perfect regency romance for closed door and open door girlies alike. Don’t pass on this one! 🤤🤞🏻
Theo and Maeve are the perfect combination of tension and surrender, they make you fall in love with TRUE romance all over again! There’s magic and healing and there are parts that will have you laughing out loud too!
The perfect regency romance for closed door and open door girlies alike. Don’t pass on this one! 🤤🤞🏻
July 26, 2026
A soft three stars.
This book...*struggled.*
Full review to come!
This book...*struggled.*
Full review to come!
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May 20, 2026This is for my historical romance girlies that love to be swept away in a swoony romance. This story has a bit of whimsy and magic to it, while also being realistic with some depth and heart to it. It’s a story of healing and hope with a broken war hero and a healer. There’s some nods to You’ve Got Mail with some letter exchanges after a swoony ballroom encounter.
🙉 occasional curse word
❤️ closed-door/fade to black romance
🙉 occasional curse word
❤️ closed-door/fade to black romance
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Review of advance copy
★★★★★★
!!WARNING THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS (hidden just in case!)!!
Echoes of Emerald Isle is a regency romance about Maeve and Theo and I LOVED this book so so much. I have not read a book this good in agesss and could barely put it down! The characters were likeable and had personality, the setting is beautiful, the romance is there and the overall story was just extremely enjoyable. Let's talk about it a bit more!
- + What I liked about this book!+ -
1. Maeve and Theo. They are so perfect for each other and I love their relationship so so much ahhh <3 Maeve is such a sweetheart who deserves the world. She is such a great character and I can definitely tell she was inspired by Evangeline from ouabh (I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. not copied!!) she was such a relatable character and chapter 31 absolutely destroyed me 😭😭 I fell in love with her immediately and she has def made it to my top 10 favourite fmcs.
Now onto Theo. He is definitely a softie (mainly to her) and is the one who will give Maeve the world (and is not afraid to fight). Although I was a bit unsure of him at first (the reputation he had as a "ladies" man definitely made me a bit sceptical) but like Rian, I grew to like him a lot. The way they are each others rock throughout the book is just 🤌✨ It's so cute omg I love them (and the letters too??? WHY CAN'T I HAVE THIS LOVEEEE)
2. Rian, Rosalie and Amelia. These side characters are all so unique and I love them too (the only reason why Declan isn't included here is because of something he said that has stuck with me, sorry not sorry!). Rian acts like a tough guy but is also an absolute softie and although I do not know much about it my heart aches for his hurt after his last love <3 I loved how much he cared for the people around him and he also deserves the world (and his epilogue?? Absolutely crazy and I really really hope that it is continued!) Rosalie and Amelie were also very enjoyable characters. I really liked how they weren't completely bland cause they're side characters and actually had personalities! Would def love to have them as friends.
3. The setting. WOW, Westmeath sounds absolutely breath-taking and I desperately want to go there right now!! I love the connection the characters (especially Maeve) had to this place, it was very heart warming. The writing was so beautiful and Ashely Weston did an amazing job at capturing this place, its magic and the whole Victorian vibe <3
4. The betrayal. WOW (again).
5. This quote:
Honestly if I were to name every single thing I loved about this book, the list would be never ending so I'm gonna stop here.
Now this is the part where I'm supposed to write what I didn't like about this book but If I'm being honest I seriously do not have any complaints, it was just perfect <3
Anyways I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, it's absolutely amazing and if I'm being honest will probably be going on my 6 star shelf ahaha
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
!!WARNING THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS (hidden just in case!)!!
Echoes of Emerald Isle is a regency romance about Maeve and Theo and I LOVED this book so so much. I have not read a book this good in agesss and could barely put it down! The characters were likeable and had personality, the setting is beautiful, the romance is there and the overall story was just extremely enjoyable. Let's talk about it a bit more!
- + What I liked about this book!+ -
1. Maeve and Theo. They are so perfect for each other and I love their relationship so so much ahhh <3 Maeve is such a sweetheart who deserves the world. She is such a great character and I can definitely tell she was inspired by Evangeline from ouabh (I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. not copied!!) she was such a relatable character and chapter 31 absolutely destroyed me 😭😭 I fell in love with her immediately and she has def made it to my top 10 favourite fmcs.
Now onto Theo. He is definitely a softie (mainly to her) and is the one who will give Maeve the world (and is not afraid to fight). Although I was a bit unsure of him at first (the reputation he had as a "ladies" man definitely made me a bit sceptical) but like Rian, I grew to like him a lot. The way they are each others rock throughout the book is just 🤌✨ It's so cute omg I love them (and the letters too??? WHY CAN'T I HAVE THIS LOVEEEE)
2. Rian, Rosalie and Amelia. These side characters are all so unique and I love them too (the only reason why Declan isn't included here is because of something he said that has stuck with me, sorry not sorry!). Rian acts like a tough guy but is also an absolute softie and although I do not know much about it my heart aches for his hurt after his last love <3 I loved how much he cared for the people around him and he also deserves the world (and his epilogue?? Absolutely crazy and I really really hope that it is continued!) Rosalie and Amelie were also very enjoyable characters. I really liked how they weren't completely bland cause they're side characters and actually had personalities! Would def love to have them as friends.
3. The setting. WOW, Westmeath sounds absolutely breath-taking and I desperately want to go there right now!! I love the connection the characters (especially Maeve) had to this place, it was very heart warming. The writing was so beautiful and Ashely Weston did an amazing job at capturing this place, its magic and the whole Victorian vibe <3
4. The betrayal. WOW (again).
5. This quote:
I know this doesn't seem like much compared to everything else I was talking about, but I think I actually cried when I read this, it hit so close to home ❤️🩹
Honestly if I were to name every single thing I loved about this book, the list would be never ending so I'm gonna stop here.
Now this is the part where I'm supposed to write what I didn't like about this book but If I'm being honest I seriously do not have any complaints, it was just perfect <3
Anyways I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, it's absolutely amazing and if I'm being honest will probably be going on my 6 star shelf ahaha
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Regency romance is not one of my go-to genres, but there are some authors whose writing I love so much, that I will gladly read whatever they choose to write, regardless of the genre. Ashley Weston is one of those authors. I love the emotion and healing she weaved into each of her contemporary romances, and I was excited to see how that would translate into a Regency... and my goodness, it did not disappoint! Right from the start, I loved the chemistry between Maeve and Theo. While it may not be my go-to, I have still read a lot of Regency romance through the years, and I cannot recall another that had such a palpable romantic tension as this. They had such an instant connection... and not just attraction (though there certainly was that), but a deeper emotional connection as well. Their story was one filled with heartbreak and loss, betrayal and the aftermath of war, but also healing... both in the physical and emotional sense. There was also something cozy, almost whimsical in away, about this one... perhaps with the mentions of folklore throughout or just the Irish setting... whatever it was, I simply adored it. Maeve and Theo have my heart and with the drama and secrets we were introduced to from some of the other characters, I find myself very much looking forward to what is going to happen next in the series.
Echoes of Emerald Isle is a closed-door romance with fade to black. It did not have explicit detail, but the kisses were quite steamy in the buildup, and it was clear what was going to happen off pages. It did also have some minor language throughout.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Echoes of Emerald Isle is a closed-door romance with fade to black. It did not have explicit detail, but the kisses were quite steamy in the buildup, and it was clear what was going to happen off pages. It did also have some minor language throughout.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
I decided to write this review as I read through the book.
There’s a lot to unpack here. At 27%, I was already feeling so many emotions. Grief on a page always hits differently, and this one didn’t hit any easier. I’m glad it came early, and I’m hoping for smoother sailing from here.
At this point, I can’t say I have a favorite character yet, but I’m really enjoying the pull between Declan and Amelia.
I also absolutely adore the different pairings. It makes it so much easier for my imagination to roam. And a quick shoutout to one of the fastest argument resolutions ever.
At 50%, it’s definitely shaping up to be a slow-burn romance, and I’m just waiting for the spark to finally catch. I’m starting to think my initial assumptions about the pairings were only about 66% right. Surprisingly, I’m not too bothered about the 33% I got wrong, though I still have a few reservations.
“Propriety be damned.” That might be one of my favorite lines in the book.
At 80%, oh my goodness, I did not see a lot of this coming. I loved how the poem served as a kind of foreshadowing. I had a feeling, but it was still so satisfying to see it play out.
I found the first part of the book a bit slow, but around the 60% mark it really picked up and had me eager to turn the pages.
Overall, I’m glad I read this. I closed the book with a smile, watching almost everyone settle into their happily ever after.
Verdict: 3.5 ⭐️
There’s a lot to unpack here. At 27%, I was already feeling so many emotions. Grief on a page always hits differently, and this one didn’t hit any easier. I’m glad it came early, and I’m hoping for smoother sailing from here.
At this point, I can’t say I have a favorite character yet, but I’m really enjoying the pull between Declan and Amelia.
I also absolutely adore the different pairings. It makes it so much easier for my imagination to roam. And a quick shoutout to one of the fastest argument resolutions ever.
At 50%, it’s definitely shaping up to be a slow-burn romance, and I’m just waiting for the spark to finally catch. I’m starting to think my initial assumptions about the pairings were only about 66% right. Surprisingly, I’m not too bothered about the 33% I got wrong, though I still have a few reservations.
“Propriety be damned.” That might be one of my favorite lines in the book.
At 80%, oh my goodness, I did not see a lot of this coming. I loved how the poem served as a kind of foreshadowing. I had a feeling, but it was still so satisfying to see it play out.
I found the first part of the book a bit slow, but around the 60% mark it really picked up and had me eager to turn the pages.
Overall, I’m glad I read this. I closed the book with a smile, watching almost everyone settle into their happily ever after.
Verdict: 3.5 ⭐️
June 4, 2026
3.5 stars
Echoes of Emerald Isle is the start of a new historical romance series by @ashleywestonauthor. After an enchanting meet cute with no names exchanged, Maeve and Theo start writing letters to one another while she is in Ireland and he is fighting in the war. But when they return, they did not expect their paths to cross again.
Read for:
🌿Irish Folklore
🌿Second chances
🌿Fiery chemistry
🌿Protective brothers
🌿Apothecary/medicine themes
🌿Rescues and forced proximity
🌿Slow burn
This romance is quite the journey and I liked all the second chance vibes. LOVED their first encounter. Theo takes a new meaning to He Falls First. I adore medical in my stories, so Maeve as a healer was a favorite part.
I am very eager to read book two because I adore her brother and the set up for his romance seems like my cup of tea.
Brief thoughts- I felt like there were a few historical liberties taken here (I'm not sure if that matters-just my opinion). The book was quite long and could some parts could have been taken out and not change the story much. The face to black piece wasn't my favorite but again my opinion.
Thank you to the author for my #earc! This book released last month!
Echoes of Emerald Isle is the start of a new historical romance series by @ashleywestonauthor. After an enchanting meet cute with no names exchanged, Maeve and Theo start writing letters to one another while she is in Ireland and he is fighting in the war. But when they return, they did not expect their paths to cross again.
Read for:
🌿Irish Folklore
🌿Second chances
🌿Fiery chemistry
🌿Protective brothers
🌿Apothecary/medicine themes
🌿Rescues and forced proximity
🌿Slow burn
This romance is quite the journey and I liked all the second chance vibes. LOVED their first encounter. Theo takes a new meaning to He Falls First. I adore medical in my stories, so Maeve as a healer was a favorite part.
I am very eager to read book two because I adore her brother and the set up for his romance seems like my cup of tea.
Brief thoughts- I felt like there were a few historical liberties taken here (I'm not sure if that matters-just my opinion). The book was quite long and could some parts could have been taken out and not change the story much. The face to black piece wasn't my favorite but again my opinion.
Thank you to the author for my #earc! This book released last month!
May 4, 2026
4.25⭐️ I could not put this down! Such a beautiful story of loss, love, and yearning! I adore Theo and Maeve 💕 I hope there is a spin-off book for the others because they were equally wonderful characters!
The writing was a bit choppy at times and needed some better editing (using the word “closure” instead of “closer”).
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed. (Not the part with Rian because that actually was brilliantly perfect for his personality and gave me a good chuckle.) But I would’ve loved to have seen Theo’s and Maeve’s ending drawn out just a little bit more.
Other than those two things, I LOVED this story! The characters are wonderful and the cover is gorgeous!!
One thing that stood out to me; Theo isn’t the typical fearless, strong MMC. He’s broken and at times feels emasculated. Swallowing pride and impatience, he lets Maeve help him take back his life and that was a refreshing change to read.
The writing was a bit choppy at times and needed some better editing (using the word “closure” instead of “closer”).
The ending felt a tiny bit rushed. (Not the part with Rian because that actually was brilliantly perfect for his personality and gave me a good chuckle.) But I would’ve loved to have seen Theo’s and Maeve’s ending drawn out just a little bit more.
Other than those two things, I LOVED this story! The characters are wonderful and the cover is gorgeous!!
One thing that stood out to me; Theo isn’t the typical fearless, strong MMC. He’s broken and at times feels emasculated. Swallowing pride and impatience, he lets Maeve help him take back his life and that was a refreshing change to read.
May 25, 2026
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful, profound, and moving story that completely captivated me 💚
I’ve never read anything like it!
The emotional intensity in this book is HIGH; the prose is gorgeous and goes straight to the heart.
I loved everything about this story—the healing romance between Maeve and Theo is a profound experience. The attraction between them is enough to make you swoon, and there were so many moments when I was left in a puddle on the floor!
Theirs is a soul connection that transcends all the pain, suffering, and hardest trials in life, blossoming into something pure and wonderful that leaves you speechless.
I loved everything about the healer’s work, the knowledge, the intense connection with nature—it was incredible 🌿✨
I also enjoyed seeing the story from other characters’ perspectives, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next release in the series.
I can’t stop thinking about this story—it’s taken root in my heart.
This review would go on forever if I shared all my thoughts, so I’ll just say… Please, read this book! Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maeve McLaughlin is a healer in body and soul, dedicating her life to others.
She finds fulfillment in her rural life in Ireland with her family, friends, and her beloved garden.
When she meets a mysterious man at a party, she feels an unexpected connection and wonders if fate will bring them together again.
Through letters, wars, and painful circumstances, they reunite, and when they do, nothing is ever the same again.
On a journey of inner healing, love will arrive and change everything for Theo and Maeve.
You will find:
🦋 Regency-era Ireland
🦋 Multiple POVs
🦋 Brother’s best friend
🦋 Secret letters
🦋 Emotional healing
🦋 Slow burn
🦋 Mutual care
🦋 Swoony moments
🦋 Age gap
🦋 Different social statuses
🦋 Connection with nature
🦋 Finding happiness
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
All opinions are my own.
*Content guide: deaths, mild language, passionate kissing, nudity (non-sexual), fade to black.
I’ve never read anything like it!
The emotional intensity in this book is HIGH; the prose is gorgeous and goes straight to the heart.
I loved everything about this story—the healing romance between Maeve and Theo is a profound experience. The attraction between them is enough to make you swoon, and there were so many moments when I was left in a puddle on the floor!
Theirs is a soul connection that transcends all the pain, suffering, and hardest trials in life, blossoming into something pure and wonderful that leaves you speechless.
I loved everything about the healer’s work, the knowledge, the intense connection with nature—it was incredible 🌿✨
I also enjoyed seeing the story from other characters’ perspectives, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next release in the series.
I can’t stop thinking about this story—it’s taken root in my heart.
This review would go on forever if I shared all my thoughts, so I’ll just say… Please, read this book! Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maeve McLaughlin is a healer in body and soul, dedicating her life to others.
She finds fulfillment in her rural life in Ireland with her family, friends, and her beloved garden.
When she meets a mysterious man at a party, she feels an unexpected connection and wonders if fate will bring them together again.
Through letters, wars, and painful circumstances, they reunite, and when they do, nothing is ever the same again.
On a journey of inner healing, love will arrive and change everything for Theo and Maeve.
You will find:
🦋 Regency-era Ireland
🦋 Multiple POVs
🦋 Brother’s best friend
🦋 Secret letters
🦋 Emotional healing
🦋 Slow burn
🦋 Mutual care
🦋 Swoony moments
🦋 Age gap
🦋 Different social statuses
🦋 Connection with nature
🦋 Finding happiness
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
All opinions are my own.
*Content guide: deaths, mild language, passionate kissing, nudity (non-sexual), fade to black.
July 12, 2026
This book completely captured me.
You can really feel the emotion and walk through the grief experienced. There is also a lot of growth and relationship development.
Maeve has an enchanted encounter with a Lord at a ball and when he goes to war, she writes him. We get to share in all of their letters shared between them. Maeve becomes an anchor to Theo while he’s at war.
She’s a healer in Ireland, but can’t heal people she is close to when a sickness comes. She has to navigate great loss. Theo and Maeve against all odds meet again, and take turns being the light the other needs.
5 star read
You can really feel the emotion and walk through the grief experienced. There is also a lot of growth and relationship development.
Maeve has an enchanted encounter with a Lord at a ball and when he goes to war, she writes him. We get to share in all of their letters shared between them. Maeve becomes an anchor to Theo while he’s at war.
She’s a healer in Ireland, but can’t heal people she is close to when a sickness comes. She has to navigate great loss. Theo and Maeve against all odds meet again, and take turns being the light the other needs.
5 star read
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 STARS!!!
WOW. This book?! It got me.
The emotion. The healing. I was in it. I fell for the characters immediately--like no hesitation. So much heart, so much passion, I couldn't put it down!
And a Regency story that actually feels different? Yes please! Ireland was everything. The writing was so vivid I could practically hear the Irish brogue in my head the whole time.
AND THE SIDE CHARACTERS?? Don't even get me started. I think I sense a book 2?!?! PLEASE?!?! I'm ready. Immediately.
Thank you SO MUCH to the author for an eARC copy of this book!
WOW. This book?! It got me.
The emotion. The healing. I was in it. I fell for the characters immediately--like no hesitation. So much heart, so much passion, I couldn't put it down!
And a Regency story that actually feels different? Yes please! Ireland was everything. The writing was so vivid I could practically hear the Irish brogue in my head the whole time.
AND THE SIDE CHARACTERS?? Don't even get me started. I think I sense a book 2?!?! PLEASE?!?! I'm ready. Immediately.
Thank you SO MUCH to the author for an eARC copy of this book!
June 29, 2026
Echoes of Emerald Isle was such a beautiful, emotional historical romance. I loved the Irish Regency setting and the way Ashley Weston wove together healing, heartache, family duty, and hope. Maeve was such an easy heroine to root for, and the romance had that tender, meant-to-be feeling that kept me invested the whole way through.
This book felt whimsical, heartfelt, and deeply romantic, with just enough ache to make the hopeful moments feel even sweeter. Perfect for readers who love emotional historical romance, healer heroines, Irish settings, and love stories with depth.
This book felt whimsical, heartfelt, and deeply romantic, with just enough ache to make the hopeful moments feel even sweeter. Perfect for readers who love emotional historical romance, healer heroines, Irish settings, and love stories with depth.
June 20, 2026
I adored this book from start to finish. I felt that the author handled grief and trauma beautifully. The characters had so much depth to them. I felt a kinship with Maeve in how she viewed the world around her and how she could help those she cared about. Theo was such an interesting character as well. What he was going through was so hard and how the author wrote his growth physically and mentally was so real!
CW: death, grief, war violence
CW: death, grief, war violence
May 31, 2026
Thanks, Ashley and Booksprout, for this lovely ARC. I was so consumed by this book. It was such an incredible read. I crave a romance like Mave and Theo's. Also, I need Book 2 ASAP. I am going to continue this series no matter what. This romance was 🫠... swoony
I loved the characters, the storytelling, the magical surroundings...
I loved the characters, the storytelling, the magical surroundings...
June 26, 2026
I think many people would really enjoy this story, but I found it rather depressing at times and overly emotional, plus it had much more sensual content than I expected, even though I suppose literally it is closed door.
April 30, 2026
What an adorable and charming story! I’ve never read a regency romance like this. The depth of emotion and healing is beautiful!
Did Not Finish
May 25, 2026DNF.
This felt like a grown man taking advantage of a girl. I just felt “ick” about their relationship.
This felt like a grown man taking advantage of a girl. I just felt “ick” about their relationship.
June 20, 2026
I struggled with this. It was alright. Different from what I normally read. Slow start. Got a little better at the end but just not my cup of tea.
July 11, 2026
This is a very emotional and passionate love story. I am impressed with how well done the passion is portrayed without all the explicit content. The mental health aspect is also well-portrayed. I loved the characters and I cannot wait until the brothers’ stories come out. Speaking of which, that epilogue made me laugh out loud as well as eagerly anticipate the sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore Theo & Maeve's fiery, sweet, caring, heartbreaking, magical, loving, swoony, happily ever after!!
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